In this episode we hear from Dr. Lindsey Monteith, a psychologist and researcher who examines ways to prevent suicide among Veterans and Ms. Laura Caisse, the Women Veterans Program Manager at the Manchester VA Medical Center. Our guests examine what we know about risks for suicide in the women Veteran population as well as ways to prevent suicide and what the VA is doing to support women Veterans who may be at increased risk for suicide. 

We would like to remind our Veteran listeners that if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, you can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, or through online chat and text at 828255. Family members concerned about a loved one can also reach out for support.

If you would like to get resources on suicide prevention, please visit these sites:

Veteran Suicide Prevention | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)

Suicide Prevention - Women Veterans Health Care (va.gov)

Suicide Prevention Annual Report (va.gov)

In this episode, Dr. Christine Going, the Senior Advisor for the VHA Food Security Office, describes the VA's process for food insecurity screening of Veterans. She also shares how the VA connects Veterans to the resources they need to obtain adequate food and nutrients for optimal health and wellbeing. Learn more about this program by visiting the Veterans Health Administration Food Security Office.

In this episode Dr. Sandra Schumacher, the Reproductive Health Lead in the Office of Women's Health with the VA, talks about services covered by the VA. She also talks through fertility concerns, evaluation, and the treatment process for Veterans needing assistance building their family.    

For more information, please visit https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/infertility-and-ivf.asp or check out this Frequently Asked Questions document on the expansion of In Vitro Fertilization at the VA.

In this episode we hear from Dr. Christine Kolehmainen, the director of Education for the Office of Women's Health who is also a Women's Health Primary Care Provider with the VHA. Dr. Kolehmainen discusses healthy aging and steps that women Veterans can take to enhance their wellness across the lifespan. She also discusses a few resources available in VA that target overall-wellbeing.  

For more information on specific concepts related to this episode, we recommend listening to past recordings on menopause, osteoporosis, heart health, and more! You can also access electronic versions of Women's Health brochures on Healthy Aging and Healthy Reproductive Aging.

In this episode we talk with Dr. Andrea Hekler, a clinician with the Veterans Health Administration, on how pregnancy loss may impact an individual or their partner as well as what the VA can provide to support a Veteran who has experienced a pregnancy loss. For more information please visit https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/topics/pregnancy-loss.asp

In this episode we celebrate Women Veterans Recognition Day (June 12th) with Ms. Lourdes Tiglao, the Executive Director for the Center for Women Veterans. Ms. Tiglao talks about the history of the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 and the importance of recognizing women who have served. She also discussed other ways that the Center for Women Veterans and VA, as an agency more broadly, recognizes women Veterans’ contributions to our nation.  

For more information, read this blog post Dispelling the Myths of Women Veterans Recognition Day. You can also learn more about how the Center for Women Veterans recognizes women Veterans every day or sign up for information and updates about women Veterans at their website.

In this episode we hear from Sophia Hill-Smith, the lead for the Maternity Care Coordination Program at the Veterans Health Administration. She discusses maternity care resources and services provided by the VA, including care coordination, lactation support, and postpartum follow-up.

In this episode you will hear about contraception from a VA Women's Health Primary Care Provider, Dr. Dana Glenn. She explains the types of contraception options available to Veterans at VA, benefits and common side effects of birth control, and how to get more information about access and availability at your VA.

Dr. Susan Raffa, the VA’s national program director for weight management, talks about what Veterans can expect and the benefits of participating in the MOVE! program. Veterans can also learn in this episode how to get connected to MOVE! at your local VA.

Please check out these links to resources discussed by Dr. Raffa in this episode.

MOVE! www.move.va.gov

Access the MOVE! Veteran Workbook https://www.move.va.gov/MOVE/vetworkbook.asp

Download the MOVE! Coach app https://www.move.va.gov/MOVE/MoveCoach.asp

Sean Clark, the Director of the Veterans Justice Programs in the Veterans Health Administration, talks about programs available to justice involved Veterans. He also discusses the pathway to access these programs and what a Veteran can expect if they engage in these programs. For more information please visit the website for the Veterans Justice Outreach Program at https://www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp.